Lakes around Holzwickede offer diverse recreational opportunities in North Rhine-Westphalia, benefiting from the region's proximity to several appealing bodies of water. This area, historically shaped by industry, has successfully transformed former sites into natural and recreational spaces. Visitors can find a variety of settings for walking, cycling, and enjoying the outdoors. The landscape features a mix of artificial lakes, reservoirs, and natural ponds, providing both serene escapes and active hubs.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
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🚂The Hympendahl Bridge viaduct was built between 1891 and 1901 in the Romanesque style.🚂 The two spans are 30 meters long, 24 meters high, and 4.50 meters wide.🚂 It once served, after the capacity of the Schallacker spoil heap was no longer sufficient— and a new disposal site was found at the Hympendahl spoil heap—as a transport and connecting route for the slag railway used for the daily removal of slag from the blast furnaces of the Phoenix West site and the Hermannshütte steelworks.🔥⛓️🚂 😲An impressive structure that would be suitable as a film set for movies like The Lord of the Rings *Passage of Argonath* or Game of Thrones.🎬
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The Great Pond is the tranquil centerpiece of Romberg Park, one of Germany's most beautiful botanical gardens 🌸. Surrounded by mature trees, manicured paths, and exotic plants, the pond invites you to linger and observe—with waterfowl, water lilies, and reflections of nature 🦆🌊.
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Reminds a bit of Lake Nen Hithoel with the Argonath Gate. En route to melting the Ring of Power in the fires of the Phoenix... Luckily it's in Hörde, not Gondor...😉 Great place with mysticism and charisma.
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The bridge pond is located near the Phoenix West site in the Hörde district of Dortmund. This area is known for its industrial past and today's transformation as a location for technology and culture. For example, in the immediate vicinity of the bridge pond is the Warsteiner Music Hall, a former industrial hall that now serves as an event location. The pond itself offers an interesting combination of industrial history and nature as part of this redesigned environment. It is located in an area that has developed through structural change from an industrial stronghold to an attractive location for leisure and culture. The area around the Brückenteich is not only a testament to Dortmund's industrial heritage, but also offers opportunities for recreation and enjoyment of the urban landscape. It is an example of how former industrial sites can be successfully converted into modern, multifunctional spaces.
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The former aristocratic residence Haus Rodenberg in Dortmund-Aplerbeck originally emerged from a medieval moated castle on the banks of the Emscher and was mentioned in a document as early as 1290. Of the former gardens, only the outer bailey island, the surrounding moats, the house pond and remnants of the wall surrounding the main garden remain. Today the park area is a public green space in the center of the Aplerbeck district.
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The ponds below the viaducts of the former slag railway are an idyll of tranquility and are ideal for a break
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A very beautiful park with lots of paths in beautiful nature. Spring is particularly recommended when the trees 🌳 and flowers are in full bloom. The colors are really beautiful. The second thing to mention is autumn. Here the trees shine 🍂. There are also two options to refresh yourself with drinks and simple food.
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The oldest and most detailed known depiction of House Rodenberg and its lands is a map from 1801 by Wesermann. Like many aristocratic residences in the Dortmund area, Haus Rodenberg was designed as a fortified complex and was thus completely surrounded by water. Still in keeping with the simple design language of the Renaissance, the parts of the garden were laid out as delimited, almost square areas outside the moats and surrounded by quarry stone walls. In the center of the eastern or main garden was a round pool and a pavilion at the edge. To the north was the tree farm with rows of fruit trees. The small square in the south, also almost square, with quarry stone walls and equipped with the same simple wayside cross, was surrounded by a moat and was therefore also called "water parterre".
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The region around Holzwickede offers a variety of lakes and water features. Notable examples include Phoenix Lake in Dortmund, known for its urban recreation, and the historic Haus Rodenberg Water Castle with its surrounding moat and pond. Other significant bodies of water include Hengsteysee and Harkortsee, both Ruhr reservoirs offering scenic views and water sports, and the more secluded Hengsen Reservoir.
Yes, several lakes near Holzwickede are suitable for families. Phoenix Lake is very family-friendly with promenades and recreational areas. The Great Pond in Romberg Park is also ideal, offering asphalt paths, benches, and viewing platforms where children can observe water birds, fish, and turtles. The park area around Haus Rodenberg Water Castle is a public green space perfect for family strolls.
The lakes around Holzwickede provide excellent opportunities for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy walking, cycling, and even water sports. For cycling, routes like the Baarbach Cycle Path or the Ruhr Valley cycle path are popular. For those who prefer walking, there are easy hikes around places like the Emscher Spring Farm. You can find more details on specific routes in the Cycling around Holzwickede and Easy hikes around Holzwickede guides.
Yes, the region has a rich industrial and historical past reflected in some of its lake areas. The Hympendahl Viaduct Ruins near Phoenix Lake are a remnant of an earlier industrial era, marking a former slag track. Additionally, Haus Rodenberg Water Castle, mentioned as early as 1290, is a historical aristocratic residence with a moat and house pond, now a public green space.
Many lakes offer great cycling opportunities. Phoenix Lake has a beautiful bike path structurally separate from the sidewalk, ideal for road bikes. The Hengsteysee and Harkortsee also feature paths along their shores suitable for cycling. For more cycling routes in the broader area, refer to the Cycling around Holzwickede guide.
Yes, some lake areas offer facilities. Phoenix Lake is surrounded by urban development, including cafes and restaurants. Haus Rodenberg Water Castle also has facilities, including a restaurant. The Hengsteysee and Harkortsee areas, being popular recreational spots, also have options for refreshments.
While some lakes are primarily for recreation and water sports, Cappenberger See in Lünen, approximately 15.5 km from Holzwickede, is known for its outdoor swimming area with a 50-meter sports pool. Horstmarer See, also in Lünen, features a bathing beach on its north and east sides.
The Great Pond in Romberg Park is unique because it was once the castle pond of the former House of Brünninghausen. It is fed by natural springs and warm pit water from former mining shafts, which can keep it ice-free longer in winter. This unique water source supports diverse wildlife, including water birds, fish, and turtles, making it a fascinating spot for nature observation.
While specific public transport details vary, urban lakes like Phoenix Lake in Dortmund are generally well-connected. For other lakes, it's advisable to check local public transport schedules, as accessibility can depend on the specific location and time of year.
The lakes are enjoyable for walking year-round. Spring and autumn offer particularly scenic views with blooming nature or vibrant foliage. The Great Pond in Romberg Park is noted for its old beech trees and other trees on the lake shore being particularly colorful in autumn. Even in winter, some areas like the Great Pond may remain ice-free due to warm pit water, offering unique walking experiences.
Yes, for a more secluded experience, the Hengsen Reservoir, located between Fröndenberg, Holzwickede, and Schwerte, is primarily isolated from the public, though a small section is accessible. Horstmarer See also has a quiet nature reserve to its west and south, offering a more tranquil setting away from the bathing beach.
The lakes and their surrounding areas support diverse wildlife. At the Great Pond in Romberg Park, visitors can observe water birds, fish, and turtles. The natural settings of lakes like Hengsteysee and Harkortsee, as well as the nature reserve bordering Hengsen Reservoir, provide habitats for various local flora and fauna.


Still not found your perfect lake around Holzwickede? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.